Kalev/Cramo deny Pieno zvaigzdes' miracle comeback

12.11.2014, Povilas Baranauskas, BBL.net, Photo: Priit Simson

TALLINN – What a game we witnessed in Estonia, where two teams yet to suffer defeat battled in Tallinn Arena, as Pieno zvaigzdes, who defeated Pyrinto the day before, managed to perform a miracle comeback, but fell short of Kalev/Cramo to suffer a 96-84 (29-17; 6-24; 28-18; 18-22; 15-3) overtime loss.

Kalev/Cramo now are the lone leaders of Group A with 5 victories and no losses, while Pieno zvaigzdes are right behind with a 4-1 record.

It truly was a game of runs, as the Estonians won the first quarter by 12 with a late 13-0 stretch, but were absolutely destroyed in the second quarter, which they lost 24-6.

It was a 15-0 run to end the first half for Pieno zvaigzdes that helped them get back in the game and actually jump ahead by six points.

However, Kalev/Cramo showed some fresher legs and battled back and eventually tied the game up and then pulled ahead. Four points separated the two teams entering the final quarter.

While the Estonians had the upper hand and a 7 point lead with just over a minute on the clock, Pasvalys had yet to say the final word.

Benjamin Brust knocked down a three-pointer, Scott Machado missed a free-throw, Laimonas Kisielius drained another three-pointer – Kalev/Cramo missed another free-throw and the margin was now only three-points with the ball in the hands of Pieno zvaigzdes. Yet another three-pointer reached the bottom of the net and the game was all tied up. The hosts couldn’t make anything of the ten remaining seconds ant regulation ended with the score all tied up at 81.

Kalev/Cramo did not joke around during overtime, as they won the extra period 15-3 and celebrated a tough victory.

Rolands Freimanis was unstoppable in the paint, as he gathered 21 points and 15 rebounds. ArmandsSkele added 16 points, while Scott Machado had 15. Erik Keedus and Mindaugas Kupsas amassed 14 each, while Gregor Arbet finished the game with 10 points to his name.

Alexander Oriakhi led the Lithuanian side in scoring with 14 points, while Benjamin Brust and LaimonasKisielius chipped in with 10 apiece. Osvaldas Olisevicius , Gytis Sirutavicius and Evaldas Kairys ended the game with 9 each.